本所的工作理念，秉承道風山創辦人挪威漢學家艾香德博士宏願：推動基督教中國化及促進基督教與中國宗教的對話。經過一九九三及一九九四年的試辦期考證，工作成果卓顯效達，於一九九五年正式向香港政府立案註冊，定名為「漢語基督教文化研究所」，屬香港非牟利之學術研究機構。本所宗旨為在深化漢語神學、推進宗教對話、豐富中國學術。
The mission of the Institute follows the great aspirations of Dr. Karl L Reichelt, the Norwegian Sinologist and founder of Tao Fong Shan, to promote the contextualization of Christian theology in Chinese culture and to further develop dialogue with other cultures and religions. During the trial period from 1993 to 1994, the work of ISCS was proven significant and outstanding. In 1995, the "Institute of Sino-Christian Studies" formally came into being as a non-profit academic institute registered with the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Our aims are promoting Christian studies, constructing Sino-Christian theology, and enriching Chinese culture.